Out with the MEAP… In with the…

As we move to the new Common Core State Standards across Michigan, new assessments will replace the MEAP in the 2014-2015 school year. The Smarter Balance Consortium is developing the next generation of student assessments.

Here are few details from their website:

• Rigorous tests that will measure progress toward college and career awareness;
• Comparable scores will mean the ability to compare performance across member states;
• Current achievement and student growth data will be important components of the assessment;
• Multiple measures will be employed to assess student performance; and
• Assessments will use computer adaptive testing as part of the student evaluation process.

We currently use computer adaptive testing in Saline.  We use the NWEA primarily in grades 3-8 and the data provided to teachers and administrators help meet the needs of our students.

Here’s a map showing the members of the consortium.

As we transition to the Common Core, understanding the assessments is critical.